The winter came to an end. Spring was in the air.
A group of bears joyfully came out of their hibernation and met at their usual meeting place. As they all caught up with one another, the oldest bear called for their attention. He had an announcement to make.
As all heads turned to him, he said, "It is a beautiful new season. However, I have sad news. During winter, while we were in hibernation, the bear who has been holding you back passed away. We're having a quick funeral service by the lake."
Now everyone was shocked and grieved by this news. They wondered who it could be, as they looked around and among themselves.
They walked down to the lake, puzzled about which bear had been holding them back that had died.
They arrived at the edge of the lake.
The oldest bear then addressed them again. He knew everyone was curious to know who had died. He said,
"The bear who held you and everyone else back has been laid to rest in the lake. Go look into the water and you'll be able to see."
One of the bears who had reached the water looked in and shouted, "But all I see is my own reflection. I see me!"
There was silence. The other bears slowly went to the water and looked in. And each one reported that the only thing visible was their own reflection.
The old bear then growled at them. He took a deep breath and said, "That's right. The only thing you see in the water is yourself. Do you know why? It is because the only bear hold you back, keeping you and the rest of your family from growing is yourself. You. Because only You have the power to imprison yourself in your limiting beliefs and drag the rest of us down."
As the bears blinked and looked at him and then at one another, the old bear continued, "Now, that part of you that was holding back is dead. Gone. You are now in charge of the circumstances in your life. You have the power to control your actions, your destiny. You will stop hoping, wishing, waiting for "some day" "better weather", shallow streams" "slower prey" to achieve your goals. You will make it happen, regardless of what you are facing because only you can determine whether you can survive or perish. Only you can choose to thrive. From this moment forward, we will all choose to thrive. Let's begin this new season, let's decide to thrive!"
♥
Right?
Was that a wise old bear or what?
Now, will you look in the mirror and tell yourself, "I can and I will?"
You have the choice between holding yourself back or making yourself succeed.
♥
I sourced this inspiring story from Motivational Joe Wednesday Wisdom is a series with short bursts of non-fattening, easy-to-consume wisdom in the form of stories, quotes, anecdotes, and humor.
